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Sylvia Joan (Meyers) Reynolds (July 23, 1944 – July 6, 2021)
Sylvia Joan Meyers was born on July 23, 1944 to Ralph and Coral (Hubner) Meyers. She passed away on Tuesday, July 6, 2021 at the age of 76. Sylvia was raised in Sturgis, surrounded by the love of her large extended family. She recalled fondly growing up around her dad and Uncle Dick at “the station” aka Meyers Service Station, spending hours with her mother playing the organ at Trinity Lutheran Church, cookies and tea with her grandmother, and summers with family at her grandparents cottage on Palmer Lake in Colon. Sylvia graduated from SHS with the Class of 1962 and became the first in her family to attend college that fall.
Sylvia left home to attend Ferris State College, where she met the love of her life, Fred Reynolds. They dated and were married on June 12, 1965 at Holy Angels Church in Sturgis. They remained married for over 56 years until she passed peacefully in Fred’s care. Together they lived in Big Rapids, Albion, Bronson, and Sturgis. They spent the majority of their years in Bronson, where together they ran Reynolds Pharmacy, and raised their three sons: Fred Jr, Nathan, and Joe. Sylvia also opened and ran St. Mary’s Preschool for many years while in Bronson. Sylvia and Fred eventually moved to Sturgis to care for her parents as they aged and had since remained in Sturgis.
Sylvia was a nurturer, and a true family person. She loved raising her boys and loved all of their friends as they were her own sons. She was so excited when she became “Meema” and loved her nine grandchildren dearly. She had a special connection with kids and loved to dote on them with her time, small meaningful gifts, and sharing her love of sweets. Sylvia was a generous soul who always made it a point to give to those who needed help. Through the years, she donated to various children’s care organizations, and always donated Christmas gifts for kids in need, as she believed that every child should feel the magic of Christmas.
Sylvia had many hobbies and enjoyed many things in her life. She loved her horses, cats, and her special dog Harry. She was a fantastic cook, famous for her Italian dishes, pies, and desserts. She loved music, and played the piano. She loved decorating her home and had a knack of creating warm and welcoming spaces. She loved hosting parties for the extended family (which is large), and get-togethers in general as she loved people. She loved watching her boys play sports and could always be heard yelling louder and above the crowd. She loved antiques and enjoyed the thrill of going to Shipshewana to find many treasures. She loved going to Las Vegas, where she once hit a large jackpot! It was said that Fred heard her scream across the casino and immediately knew it was her. She loved God, and had a strong Faith instilled in her from her early years. Sylvia remained an instrument of God through the love she showed to all who knew her, and through her generosity to others through the years.
Sylvia was preceded in death by her parents, Ralph and Coral. She is survived by her husband Fred, her three sons: Fred (Suzanne), Nathan, and Joe (Susan) Reynolds, grandchildren: Sage, Solee, Jacob, Jonah, Sam, Ellen, Charlie, Nolan, and Henry Reynolds, and one brother Rick (Rita) Meyers.
The family will receive friends from 11:00 A.M to 1:00 P.M and 5:00 to 7:00 P.M. Thursday at the Hackman Chapel of Hackman Family Funeral Homes in Sturgis where the Most Holy Rosary of the Blessed Virgin Mary will be recited at 7:00 P.M. Thursday. The family will also receive friends from 10:00 to 10:45 A.M. Friday at the Holy Angels Catholic Church in Sturgis where the Funeral Mass celebrating the life of Sylvia Joan Reynolds will begin at 11:00 A.M. Friday. The Rev. Father Andrew Raczkowski celebrant. In accordance with her wishes cremation will follow the Mass. A continued time of fellowship and the sharing of a meal will follow the Mass in the church fellowship hall.
The obituary is also at www.hackmanfamilyfuneralhomes.com where we encourage relatives and friends to share memories and leave condolences for the family.
